Faith & Trust Vocabulary

belief in or acceptance of something as true

“The theory gained credence after new evidence emerged.”

Origin: Latin credentia `belief` (from credere `to believe, trust`)

complete trust or confidence; strong religious belief

“She had faith that things would work out.”

Origin: Latin fides `trust, confidence, belief` (from fidere `to trust`)

faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief

“His fidelity to his principles never wavered.”

Origin: Latin fidelitas `faithfulness` (from fidelis `faithful`, from fides `faith`)

loyalty or commitment to a group or cause

“They swore allegiance to the new government.”

Origin: Old French ligeance `loyalty of a liege` (from lige `liege`, from Medieval Latin laeticus `serf`)

love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for something

“Her devotion to the cause was absolute.”

Origin: Latin devotio `consecration, dedication` (from devovere `to dedicate`, de- `away` + vovere `to vow`)

formal acknowledgment of loyalty to a lord

“Knights swore fealty to their sovereign.”

Origin: Old French feaulte `loyalty` (from Latin fidelitas `faithfulness`, from fidelis `faithful`)

the quality of being trusted and believed in

“His credibility was damaged by the scandal.”

Origin: Latin credibilis `worthy of belief` (from credere `to believe, trust`)

conformity to facts; accuracy; habitual truthfulness

“The witness's veracity was called into question.”

Origin: Latin verax `truthful` (from verus `true`)

the quality of being genuine or true

“The authenticity of the document was verified.”

Origin: Greek authentikos `original, genuine` (from authentes `master, author`, autos `self` + hentes `doer`)

genuine; real; acting in good faith

“This is a bona fide offer, not a negotiating tactic.”

Origin: Latin bona fide `in good faith` (bona `good` + fide, ablative of fides `faith`)

regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with

“In this family, Sunday dinner is sacrosanct.”

Origin: Latin sacrosanctus `consecrated with religious ceremonies` (sacer `sacred` + sanctus `holy`)

never to be broken or dishonored

“The treaty established inviolable borders.”

Origin: Latin inviolabilis `not to be violated` (in- `not` + violare `to violate, injure`)